Diagnostic Code 8205 · 38 CFR §4.124a
The trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve) is the largest cranial nerve and provides sensation to the face and controls the muscles used for chewing. Paralysis or damage to this nerve causes numbness in the face, difficulty chewing, jaw weakness, and potentially severe facial pain known as trigeminal neuralgia. Veterans may damage this nerve from facial or skull fractures in combat, blast injuries, dental procedures during service, brain tumors, or as a complication of brain surgery. The resulting facial numbness can be dangerous because you may not feel injuries, burns, or dental problems on the affected side.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Neurological examination documenting sensory loss in specific trigeminal divisions, EMG of the muscles of mastication showing denervation, Brain or facial MRI showing the site of nerve damage, Service records documenting the facial injury, surgery, or condition causing the nerve damage, Treatment records for trigeminal neuralgia if pain is present, Dental records if chewing difficulty has caused dental problems